TN CM reverses decision not to celebrate birthday

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader M Karunanidhi on Thursday reversed his decision not to celebrate his 85th birthday on June 3, saying he has changed his mind bowing to the wishes of his partymen.

Writing in the party's mouthpiece, 'Murasoli', he said he would celebrate the birthday as per the wishes of partymen.

"I bow before all of you on the occasion of my 85th birthday. It was me who responded to the call of social reformer late 'Periyar' E V Ramaswamy who wanted the Dravidian youth to rise to save the race. It was me who responded to the call by late C N Annadurai to agitate for the people's causes. I am overwhelmed by the love and affection of DMK men," he said.

Karunanidhi also said he could not "resist the order" of DMK General Secretary K Anbazhagan to celebrate the birthday.

On May 13, Karunanidhi had appealed to supporters not to celebrate his birthday and refrain from calling on him that day.

In a statement the next day, he said the prevailing uncertainty over his dream plan; the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal project and the menace of terrorism threatening the country were the factors that compelled him not to celebrate his birthday. He had also cited "betrayal" by those close to him as another reason.

Anbazhagan had on May 19 urged party workers to ignore Karunanidhi's appeal and celebrate the birthday in a grand manner, saying that it is the only "medicine" to cure the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's "worries".